View source for Getting started with KAlgebra

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'''KAlgebra''' is a calculator with symbolic and analysis features that lets you plot 2D and 3D functions as well as to easily calculate mathematical expressions. 

== The Console Tab == <!--T:2-->

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When you first open '''KAlgebra''' a blank window shows up, this is the main work area for calculus.

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Let's get started with a little example of how KAlgebra works, just type:
{{Input|1=2+2}}
Then type <keycap>Enter</keycap> and '''KAlgebra''' will show you the result. So far it's easy.


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However, '''KAlgebra''' is much more powerful than that. It started as a simple calculator, but now it's almost a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_algebra_system CAS].

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You can define variables this way:
{{Input|1=k:=3}}

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And use them normally:
{{Input|1=k*4}}

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And that will give you the result: {{Output|1=12}}

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You can also define functions:
{{Input|1=f:=x->x^2}}

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And then use them:
{{Input|1=f(3)}}

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Which should return {{Output|1=9.}}

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You can define a function with as many variables as you want:
{{Input|1=g:=(x,y)->x*y}}

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The possibilities of defining functions are endless if you combine this with the piecewise function. Let's define the factor function:

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{{Input|1=fact:=n->piecewise { n=0 ? 1, n=1 ? 1, ? n*fact(n-1) } }}

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Yes! '''KAlgebra''' supports recursive functions. Give some values to n, to test it.

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{{Input|1=fact(5)
fact(3) }}

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KAlgebra has recently started support for symbolic operations, to check it out, just type:
{{Input|x+x+x+x}}

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or
{{Input|1=x*x}}

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It doesn't work on some complex structures, though. Only basic support so far.

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Moreover, '''KAlgebra''' has support for differentiation.
An example of the syntax:
{{Input|1=diff(x^2:x)}}

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If you have used '''KAlgebra''', you will have noticed the ''syntax completion'' support, which is very helpful.

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Another resource that can be useful to learn more about '''KAlgebra''' comes with '''KAlgebra''': The <menuchoice>Dictionary</menuchoice> tab

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It contains examples of every function supported by '''KAlgebra'''. Maybe this is the best way to learn how to do things with '''KAlgebra'''.

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[[Category:Education]]
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